West Chicago Environmental Commission coordinates Holiday Lights Recycling

West Chicago, Illinois: November 19, 2012 - As residents begin pulling out boxes of holiday decor only to find strands of lights that no longer work; or for those homeowners who may wish to switch from using old incandescent lights to more environmentally friendly LED lights, the West Chicago Environmental Commission has announced its annual holiday light recycling schedule. The Commission encourages people to recycle lights, rather than throw them away in landfills.

To make recycling easier, the City of West Chicago will offer free holiday light recycling beginning November 23, 2012. Strands of incandescent and LED holiday lights, and household extension cords in any condition, may be dropped off at the locations listed below during normal business hours. Signs will be posted directing people to the holiday light recycling containers. All locations will accept lights and cords for recycling through January 25, 2013.

Drop-off Locations

Murphy Ace Hardware, 391 South Neltnor Boulevard

First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, 643 East Washington Street

West Chicago Public Library, 118 West Washington Street

West Chicago City Hall, 475 Main Street

West Chicago Water Treatment Plant, 1400 West Hawthorne Lane

The lights and cords will be collected by Elgin Recycling (www.elginrecycling.com), stripped, and recycled for their copper and plastic parts. No materials will be shipped overseas for disposal.

In addition to residents, the City also invites businesses, schools and other organizations wanting to dispose of holiday lights to participate in the program. There is no limit as to how many lights/cords may be dropped off for recycling.